The gag picked up a fifth of votes in a poll of comedy fans and Fringe goers.

The competition has been run by Dave for the past five years, and the channel had the help of 10 comedy critics to draw up the shortlist.

Francis was entered in the list twice after her other joke - "I saw a documentary on how ships are kept together. Riveting." - reached number eight.

Steve North, general manager of Dave said: "As Dave's Funniest Joke of the Fringe celebrates its fifth anniversary it's great to see how the top 10 get wittier and sharper every year. Stewart Francis is a very worthy winner and with his droll quip has proved himself to be king of the one-liners."